Has been researching and publishing for over 20 years, focusing on person-centred ageing and aged care. In 2018, she completed a comprehensive Realist Evaluation of the Dementia Literacy Toolkit Project for the North Coast PHN. She has led two Australian Department of Health (formerly HWA) grant projects for Southern Cross University. Her team won a community engagement award for their work linking professional entry students from Nursing and Allied Health with community aged care. Dr Horstmanshof is highly esteemed both within the University and the sector more broadly. She serves on the steering committee for the Dementia Inclusive Ballina Inc. Alliance and the North Coast Australian Psychological Society (APS) Committee.